Understand
Nantong is a major port on the Yangtze River near Shanghai that was historically known for its distinctive textiles. In the 2020 census the city had a population of around 3.77 million in the core area, more than seven million overall. It is a bit inland of Shanghai and across the river.
Get around
Taxis are cheap to get around Nantong. Buses ply the main streets however can take a bit long to wade through the local traffic if you are in a hurry to get somewhere quick.
Line 1 of Nantong Rail Transit opened in 2022. It runs in a northwest-southeast direction and transverses the central part of the city. A second line is under construction and will likely open by the end of 2023.
See
The Cao Gong Zhu Memorial Temple commemorates a local hero who defended the city against Japanese pirates in 1557.
Nantong Medical College - was founded in the first decade of 20th century. Visit the college at evening; you may see hustle and bustle.
Do
Boat Trip Along the Hao He river is a treat in the evening. You can hire an e-boat for a few hundred yuan and it is worthwhile doing it in the evening when the lights come on and the fountains go splashing around 19:00.
Buy
Nan da jie is a shopping street, you may find interesting things here.
Underground Shopping Streets on the north end of Nan da jie, with a variety of shops, mostly fashion and clothing, located in a converted former bomb shelter. The different aisles actually have street names.
RT Mart is a supermarket located on the second floor of the shopping center on the north end of the pedestrian street, near the Underground Shopping Streets.
Lan Yin Hua Bu (fabric printed with a distinctive blue flower design) - during the Ming Dynasties this particular design of cloth was popular among Southern China's elite. Now it is only produced at the Nantong Textile Museum.
Eat
Nantongmap.net Nantong Mapped Out is a comprehensive English language website that provides information about all Western style restaurants in Nantong, including maps to specific restaurants and general, localized maps.
A very busy place for a quick meal served in a jiffy can be found along Jiao Yu Lu on the North entrances to Nantong Textile and Vocational College and Nantong Vocational College end. Several hole in the wall restaurants ply their trade here with some great food on offer at a very economical price.
Try out some 'Maala Taang' which is a local version of 'hot pot' except that its cooked for you after you picked up all the veggies and meats to go in the pot from the shelf. Can cost you ¥5-10 for a yummy meal. Along Jiaoyu Lu.
Or, try out a pancake roll with pickle, egg and coriander leaves for ¥2. Couple of shops are well known for this treat near the roadside barbecue where they will grill any snack for you for ¥0.5 a piece.
Doula Shop for a meal in a fancy setting around the City Vogue Hotel. Great array of menu choices for a dining experience which will surely impress.
Waterside Restaurant near the Hao He river area in the Central part of Nantong offers a great spread of steaks and Chinese delicacies in elegant and ambient surroundings overlooking the river. Surprisingly not so pricey for a nice restaurant with lovely decor. Worthwhile taking a look.
Ye Shanghai does churn out a good fare, often full so book ahead for some Shanghainese cuisine.
Captain'…
Drink
Angels Bar, on the corner of Nanda Jie and Haonan Lu, a few doors east from the Youfei Hotel located inside the MingDu Plaza. Behind the bar stocks a full assortment of whiskey, vodka, gin, tequila, and rum. Angels also has draft and bottled beer not to mention all your popular cocktails and shooters. Bring your laptop and a friend cause Angels also offers free WiFi internet connection, pool table, beer pong, foosball, and satellite tv.
Captains Bar and Grill, QingNian Lu, near the SanTeh Hotel. Captains bar serves Wstern food, with a slant on Mexican and German. It has great lunch specials, happy hour every night, and free WiFi internet access.
City Hunter. Dingy, but friendly
Camino, south of the Victoria Hotel on Chengshan Lu. Clean and cheap bar with friendly staff and wide collection of music, most of which has been donated by visiting expats.
Chef Richard Bar and Grill Café, Haonan Lu, a few doors west from the Youfei Hotel. Serves Western food, and offers free WiFi network connection.
Nantong Shipyard has a row of about twenty bars! Most are aimed at seamen stopping in the port, which makes them a little sleazy, though they have character and can be good fun.
Scotland Bar - just a few doors down from Camino this place has a warm and friendly atmosphere and fantastic staff and regulars.
Love Tiger Bar - attractive bar, beauty and friendly staff. just a few doors down from Camino and Scotland bar. Good movie music, you can relax here.
Go next
Nanjing, Shanghai and Suzhou are all very near.
